On a recent trip to Zanzibar, I made the rookie mistake of not applying sunscreen during a seemingly overcast day. By the evening, I resembled something close to a lobster and not only was my skin sore to the touch, but it was also tight; I felt like an overinflated balloon.
My mom, bless her soul, had to remind me via WhatsApp that surely at my age I should know better. Reading her message, I stared at the tubes of SPF in my toiletry bag.
I am fortunate that I was blessed with really good genetics (thanks, mom). However, I don’t take this for granted and follow a very disciplined skin care routine, one which 95% of the time includes a very good SPF for my face, whether it’s summer or winter.
I decided to take a closer look at some of my favourite brands. I have personally tested and used all of these, so you can choose any of them with confidence.
HelioCare 360
The HelioCare range comes in Fluid Cream SPF50 as well as Heliocare 360 Color Gel Oil-Free, which is like an SPF BB cream.
The Heliocare range protects against UVB, UVA, high energy visible light, and infrared light. It contains Fernblock FC, an antioxidant rich in Ferulic acid. It also contains vitamins C and E, which nourishes and hydrates your skin. The color gel which is oil-free contains silica, which gives skin a matte finish.
What I like most about this product is that it absorbs easily and if you take the tinted version you can use it as a BB cream.
Lamelle Helase 50
A first of its kind sunscreen that can repair skin cells at an atomic level. It is suitable for anyone over the age of 6 months except for those suffering from acne.
Helase 50 contains Photolyase, a powerful DNA-repairing enzyme which allows this sunscreen to not only protect against UVB and UVA rays, visible light and infrared light but also physically prevent and correct the dangerous DNA breaks and “kinks” such as dimers.
The consistency is thicker than Heliocare, however, you only need a very small amount, and there is no sticky feeling after application.
Lamelle Luminesce SPF30
An everyday use SPF that protects against UVA and UVB lights as well as prevents and manages the production of pigmentation.
It contains the latest Bio-Peptides, which reduces the darkening of pigmentation while protecting the skin against further damage. Another benefit is that it acts as a barrier replacement that reduces inflammation and sensitivity. It also has anti-itch and anti-redness properties.
This is definitely a nice go-to day-to-day sunscreen. My only criticism; you have to wait for it to soak in completely before applying makeup.
CF Products
This new kid on the block comes with a variety of products which include a lip balm, an SPF 40 moisturising sunblock, and our favourite the setting mist.
The products are all natural and protect against broad-spectrum sun rays. The setting mist allows you to reapply sunscreen over your makeup. I found the mist rather refreshing especially when lying next to the pool all day.
After trying and using all of the above the winner, hands down for me is the Helase 50. It is not sticky, and you use a minimal amount for full coverage. Makeup applies well over it, and using the CF Setting mist, locks your makeup in, which allows for reapplication of your sunscreen.
Have you tried any of these sunscreens? Which is your favourite? Let us know below in the comments.
Editors note – all products are available online at dermastore.co.za and skinrenewal.co.za
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Best advice ever! I have been using Lamelle Helase 50 for the last year and it is really amazing.
I have incredibly fair skin and it gives me ultimate protection. It has been really great for my skin’s appearance too.
I only use a small amount and the tube has lasted for ages.